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513. Is using a “Shabbos” electric scooter permissible? 

Poskim of previous generations gave a number of reasons why one should avoid riding a bicycle on Shabbos, even where there is an eiruv, and the same principles apply to a scooter. This being the case, using an electric scooter is certainly forbidden, since it involves more issurim (prohibitions) than a non-electric one.

There’s recently been an invention of a “Shabbos” electric scooter. This scooter utilizes the principle of grama (indirect action) and other halachic loopholes, and is promoted in locations where there is an eiruv as a solution for people who have difficulty walking to shul on Shabbos. While it’s true that there is room for leniency to use non-electric scooters on Shabbos for the elderly and infirm, those promoting this product have taken it a step further and have attempted to make the case that electric scooters can be used as well.

However, the consensus of contemporary poskim is that using such a scooter is forbidden on Shabbos, grama notwithstanding. This is because grama may only be relied upon in certain critical situations, such as medical emergencies, which going to shul assuredly is not. Conversely, if pikuach nefesh (a tangible threat to life) was involved, one would simply use an ordinary car or ambulance, which makes the “Shabbos” electric scooter totally unnecessary.